Hamster with unknown skin issue?

Atticus · 03-01-2018, 12:03 AM

My Syrian, Atticus, has recently developed a skin issue that is concerning to me. The spot on his back is red, dry, and flakey. He has also lost some hair in that area, so it's bare as well. There's two large-ish skin flakes that are sort of hanging off his skin (as seen in the picture). Atticus has been using the same bedding and food for months with no issues, so I don't think it's that either.

Does anyone know what this might be? To me, it sort of looks like the human version of eczema/dermatitis, but he is not itchy. If it is eczema/dermatitis, how would I cure it? I've been dabbing a tiny amount of 100% pure aloe vera with a q-tip and he almost enjoys it so maybe it feels good?

Although he is acting normal, it makes me sad to know he might be uncomfortable

(I hope I uploaded this right, but if not, there's also a picture titled "atticus's skin" in the gallery for you to see him)

cypher · 03-01-2018, 03:10 AM

That does look quite sore, have you had a good check around the cage to make sure he's not rubbing on something? Sometimes wooden items or things that get chewed can get rough edges or a tube or hole he might be going through that's a bit too small.
If it's not that it is hard to say what might cause a problem in just a small area like that.

souffle · 03-01-2018, 07:10 AM

Is his wheel too small? It looks like the spindle is either catching the fur and ripping it out or rubbing on his back. I'd take the wheel out till you get a bigger one or it heals up.

furfriends · 03-01-2018, 07:34 AM

It could be a tumor. Not trying to scare you in any way it just sounds like that. If i was you I would take him to the vets ASAP just to be sure it isn't deathening. Sorry to hear about it.
I do have one concern thoug, sorry for posting it on here, But does anyone know how to upload a post like this one. I have been trying, but have had no current success.
Please let me know because i have question that is really important and needs to be answered. Thank you hamster-loving-friends!

Atticus · 03-01-2018, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cypher

That does look quite sore, have you had a good check around the cage to make sure he's not rubbing on something? Sometimes wooden items or things that get chewed can get rough edges or a tube or hole he might be going through that's a bit too small.
If it's not that it is hard to say what might cause a problem in just a small area like that.

It very well could be since he has two wooden houses that his back might rub against.

Quote:

Originally Posted by souffle

Is his wheel too small? It looks like the spindle is either catching the fur and ripping it out or rubbing on his back. I'd take the wheel out till you get a bigger one or it heals up.

His wheel is not small/back does not rub and I've checked and made sure. I could try that though just in case

souffle · 03-01-2018, 11:41 AM

Does he have dry skin elsewhere at all? He may need some oil added to his diet and some extra B vitamins from maybe some wheatgerm. This can help the skin. His ears look a little flakey there. It might be best to have it checked by a vet though just in case there is something treatable causing this.

Atticus · 03-01-2018, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by souffle

Does he have dry skin elsewhere at all? He may need some oil added to his diet and some extra B vitamins from maybe some wheatgerm. This can help the skin. His ears look a little flakey there. It might be best to have it checked by a vet though just in case there is something treatable causing this.

His ears are a little dry, yes. Do you know where I could find vitamin B, oil foods, or wheatgerm? Thank you

cypher · 03-01-2018, 10:50 PM

Try giving him extra flax seeds, I also give a drop of evening primrose oil daily for skin problems, you can put it on food or give it on a spoon as they enjoy it, wheatgerm for extra vitamin B you can get from a health food shop, you can also give nutritional yeast (sold for humans) as a source of B vitamins but not all are keen on it.

Hammy992 · 03-02-2018, 01:01 AM

I would do as all the others have said with the seeds, oils etc and keep an eye on it for signs of improvement. If the patch does not seem to get any better or becomes bigger or changes appearance in an unusual way I would take him in to the vets for a checkup.
Sometimes a skin tumor can begin to manifest itself like this (my Syrian recently had a hair follicle tumor removed and it appeared as a round bald scabby patch on his back), but to me this looks more like a very dry area that is being rubbed against something. If it's itchy he could be scratching as well so the oils added to his diet could improve this.

Atticus · 03-02-2018, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cypher

Try giving him extra flax seeds, I also give a drop of evening primrose oil daily for skin problems, you can put it on food or give it on a spoon as they enjoy it, wheatgerm for extra vitamin B you can get from a health food shop, you can also give nutritional yeast (sold for humans) as a source of B vitamins but not all are keen on it.

Okay thank you!